Airlines generally don't let women that far into their pregnancy fly, but after nine kids, she sort of has this thing down pat – and her doctor signed off on it. "She knows what's happening with her body," Watson said. "She said it was all good, and they signed the papers and everything and she's here now."

-- Adam Kimelman

From the prospects06.25.2010 /10:15 PM PT

Erik Gudbranson, when asked if he and Panthers GM Dale Tallon talked at all on the podium after he was picked: "He says, ‘I thought tough guys don't wear pink shirts’ (the 6-4 Gudbranson had a black suit with a pink shirt), and I said ‘Tough guys wear pink shirts for a reason.’"

-- Adam Kimelman

Watching the prospects06.25.2010 /10:15 PM PT

One of the more interested observers of the first round was TV star Alyssa Milano, who I caught up to early in the night.

"I'm a huge fan of hockey," she told NHL.com. "Huge hockey family. We had Kings tickets before (Wayne) Gretzky was even here."

She said what amazes her the most is how quickly a young man's life can change just by hearing his name called.

"To see these guys, who work their entire life to get to this moment ... I take the sentimental approach of how awesome it is to see their dreams come to fruition in one moment when they hear their name called," she said.

Milano, who was sporting an NHL Draft T-shirt from her own clothing line, said she knew a few of the prospects, like Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin, as well as local favorite Emerson Etem.

"I follow enough of the draft to not be completely lost in the first round," she said.

-- Adam Kimelman

Getting the edge on Dad06.25.2010 / 9:50 PM PT

Mark Tinordi never was drafted, but managed to play 12 NHL seasons as a tough-as-nails defenseman. His son, Jarred, was picked 22nd by the Montreal Canadiens, with Montreal moving up to grab him.

Jarred said he wasn't going to hold it over his dad -- a good thing, as Mark piled up 1,514 penalty minutes in his career.

"I know he turned out to be a pretty good player," Jarred told NHL.com. "I'm just starting out and I have a long way to go."

That's what Mark wanted to hear.

"He's a step ahead of where I got," the proud father told NHL.com. "But as great as this day is, to get on the team, there's still a lot more work."
-- Adam Kimelman

Big first round for USA Hockey06.25.2010 / 8:20 PM PT

While Canadians were selected with 14 of the 30 selections of the first round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Friday night was a record-setting night for USA Hockey, which saw 11 players taken in the opening round, breaking the 10 selected in both the 2006 and 2007 drafts.

Goalie Jack Campbell was the first American selected, going to Dallas at No. 11. He was followed by defenseman Cam Fowler, Canadian-born, but U.S. raised, taken at No. 12 by Anaheim, then Derek Forbort at No. 15 by the Los Angeles Kings, center Austin Watson at No. 18 by the Nashville Predators, center Nick Bjugstad at No. 19 by the Florida Panthers, winger Beau Bennett at No. 20 by the Pittsburgh Penguins, defenseman Jarred Tinordi at No. 22 by the Montreal Canadiens, winger Kevin Hayes at No. 24 by the Chicago Blackhawks, forward Charlie Coyle at No. 28 by the San Jose Sharks, right wing Emerson Etem by the Anaheim Ducks at No. 29 and center Brock Nelson at No. 30 by the New York Islanders.
-- Phil Coffey

Isles deal for 30th pick06.25.2010 / 8:04 PM PT

The New York Islanders sent the 35th and 58th picks to the Chicago Blackhawks to close Friday's first round at No. 30, taking center Brock Nelson, a 6-3, 205 pound center from one of the United States' royal hockey families.

His uncle is 1980 Miracle on Ice player Dave Christian, who also was a highly successful NHL player with over 1,000 games and a total of 773 points. His grandfather is Billy Christian, who won gold in 1960, and his great uncle is Roger Christian won silver in 1956.
-- Phil Coffey

He was ranked No. 8 by Central Scouting and there had been talk that he could go in the top 10, but that was not to be despite scoring 37 goals and 28 assists in 72 games for Medicine Hat of the WHL last season. His 37 goals were tops among WHL rookies last season.

"A 37-goal scorer with a good Medicine Hat team," Central Scouting Director E.J. McGuire said. "He handles the puck so well at full speed. His crouch style belies his 6-foot stature. He looks smaller out there on the ice, but he's not small in productiveness. How about this -- he moved from Long Beach to Minnesota's Shattuck-St. Mary's to Medicine Hat, Alberta, all in the space of three developmental junior years."
-- Phil Coffey

Sharks go for Coyle at No. 2806.25.2010 / 7:49 PM PT

San Jose selected winger Charlie Coyle at No. 28.

Coyle will attend Boston University next season. He is the cousin of longtime NHL player Tony Amonte.
-- Phil Coffey

Coyotes nab goalie at No. 2706.25.2010 / 7:48 PM PT

The Phoenix Coyotes used their second selection of the first round to add depth at goalie with Mark Vissentin, who appeared in 55 games for Niagara of the OHL last season. He was the fourth-ranked goalie among North American netminders.
-- Phil Coffey

Capitals add Kuznetsov06.25.2010 / 7:42 PM PT

The Washington Capitals are no strangers to Russian hockey players. Certain guy named Ovechkin rings a bell, eh? So it was no surprise that the 26th selection of the first round was used on Evgeni Kuznetsov.

"He is fast, skillful and talented," Central Scouting Goran Stubb said. "He is also a leader on the ice, he was captain of the Russian Under-18 team and he had an excellent tournament. He is very skilled."

-- Phil Coffey

Panthers swap Ballard, get another pick06.25.2010 / 7:33 PM PT

The Panthers added their third first-round selection via the trade route, acquiring the 25th selection, plus forwards Steve Bernier and Michael Grabner in exchange for defenseman Keith Ballard and right wing Victor Oreskovich.

Please keep in mind that Central Scouting rankings are the way the scouts employed there see the prospects and Director E.J. McGuire and his staff do a thorough job. But NHL teams also send their scouts out to check out players and a team's needs may differ widely from how Central Scouting ranks the players. So to see actual selections not jibe with Central Scouting rankings isn't unusual.
-- Phil Coffey

Blackhawks select Hayes06.25.2010 / 7:22 PM PT

Using one of the picks acquired in the Dustin Byfuglien trade, the Chicago Blackhawks added right wing Kevin Hayes with the 24th selection. He scored 25 goals and 42 assists in 28 high school games in Massachusetts last season and has excellent bloodlines. His brother Kimmy was taken with the 60th selection in 2006 and he is a second cousin to former NHL players tom Fitzgerald and Keith Tkachuk.
-- Phil Coffey

Sabres take defenseman Pysyk06.25.2010 / 7:18 PM PT

Hard night for defenseman Mark Pysyk, who was ranked No. 7 by Central Scouting, but dropped to No. 23 and the Sabres. Of course Pysyk is joining a team that saw another young defenseman, Tyler Myers, win the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie in 2009-10, so things may be looking up and he sure seemed to be a happy young man on the podium with the Sabres' management team.
-- Phil Coffey

Habs move up to 2206.25.2010 / 6:48 PM PT

The Canadiens sent the 27th and 57th selections to the Coyotes in exchange for the 22nd and 113th picks in '10. With the 22nd pick, the Canadiens then used the pick in Jarred Tinordi, the son of former NHL defenseman Mark Tinordi.

Jarred will attend Notre Dame next season. Like his dad, Jarred is a big defensemen, standing 6-6 and weighing 205 pounds. He was ranked 38th by Central Scouting.
-- Phil Coffey

Boo says the crowd, Sheahan says the Wings06.25.2010 / 6:48 PM PT

Lots of boos for the Red Wings. Winning has a way of making you unpopular in places, I guess. But Jim Nill fought through it to select center Riley Sheahan from Notre Dame with the 21st pick.

Sheahan scored 6 goals and 11 assists in 37 games for the Fighting Irish last season. He was ranked 22nd by Central Scouting.
-- Phil Coffey

Penguins take first Californian06.25.2010 / 6:48 PM PT

The Penguins made it three Americans in a row with the selection of Californian Beau Bennett, a 6-foot, 173 pound right wing who played for Penticton of the British Columbi Hockey League.

Bennett, whose selection was loudly applauded by his family and friends, was ranked 32nd by Central Scouting. He scored 41 goals and 79 assists in just 56 games last season and will play at Denver University.
-- Phil Coffey

Panthers select Bjugstad06.25.2010 / 6:42 PM PT

Nick Bjugstad, the nephew of former NHLer Scott Bjugstad, is a Florida Panther, going 19th.

Bjugstad is the fourth American to be selected in the first round. He scored 29 goals and 31 assists for Blaine High School last season.

-- Phil Coffey

Predators go for power forward06.25.2010 / 6:40 PM PT

Austin Watson, a 6-3, 185 pound left wing was the Nashville Predators' pick at No. 18.

Watson scored 20 goals and 34 assists in just 52 games last season. A broken ankle scuttled the second half of his season. Watson said he likes "to create space" for teammates, code for playing a physical game. He was the third U.S.-born player selected.
-- Phil Coffey

Avalanche go small06.25.2010 / 6:32 PM PT

The Avalanche went for center Joey Hishon, a 5-9, 170 pound center, who was ranked 55th by Central Scouting. Why the disparity? Hishon broke his foot blocking a shot early in the season and played in just 36 games for Owen Sound of the OHL. Still, in those 36 games he scored 16 goals and 24 assists.
-- Phil Coffey

Blues swap David Rundblatt to Sens06.25.2010 / 6:22 PM PT

The Senators sent the 16th pick to the St. Louis Blues for defenseman David Rundblatt, their first-round pick last season. The Blues took Russian Vladimir Tarasenko, the second-ranked European player.
-- Phil Coffey

Kings move up to nab Forbort06.25.2010 / 6:21 PM PT

To the delight of the crowd, the Kings sent two draft picks to the Florida Panthers for the 15th pick of the first round. They surrendered the 19th and 59th selections and with the crowd chanting for California native Emerson Etem. But the Kings opted for defenseman Derek Forbort, a 6-5, 198 pounder who played for the U.S. National Development Team last season.
Forbort pulled on a vintage gold and purple Kings jersey to the cheers from the crowd.

-- Phil Coffey
For Connolly, it's all good06.25.2010 / 6:20 PM PT

Brett Connolly was ranked third by Central Scouting and was taken sixth by Tampa Bay, so it wasn't much of a drop.

"No, not at all," Connolly said of being disappointed. "I mean, like I said, I'm a team first-round pick, and looking forward to getting to Tampa and getting started and hopefully making their team."

Plus, he goes into the history books as the first player selected by Bolts GM Steve Yzerman.

"It's huge. It is," Connolly said. "To have a guy like that select you and really think that you can be a part of their program, I don't know what to say. It's a big part of my life. I mean, he's a guy that I can always talk to. He's a guy that can get me to that next step. I mean, his goal is to win a Stanley Cup, and hopefully I can do that one day".
-- Phil Coffey

Blues take Jaden Schwartz at No. 1406.25.2010 / 6:06 PM PT

The Blues have used the 14th pick to select Tri-City center Jaden Schwartz, who was serenaded by "Happy Birthday" on his way to the podium, as nicely enough, today is his birthday.

Blues President John Davidson brought retiring GM Larry Pleau and outgoing Director of Amateur Scouting Jarmo Kekalainen to the podium to thank them for their long service to the club. Kekalainen is going to Finland as the GM of Jokerit.

-- Phil Coffey

Thank you very much, say Coyotes06.25.2010 / 6:00 PM PT

Brandon Gormley, the sixth-ranked North American skater by Central Scouting was a lucky 13 for the Phoenix Coyotes. At 6-2, 185, he already has good NHL size.

"He is what a lot of teams are going for, he's a good defenseman who can score and handle the puck, smart," Central Scouting's Chris Bordeleau said. "Gormley has got the whole package. He's got a good shot from the point, an accurate shot, low and can be deflected."

-- Phil Coffey

Ducks stop Fowler's slide06.25.2010 / 5:52 PM PT

Much to the chagrin of the fans, the Anaheim Ducks took defenseman Cam Fowler, who had been ranked No. 5 by Central Scouting, at No. 12.

Fowler also was a member of the Team USA squad that won a gold medal at the 2010 World Junior Championship and at the 2009 Under-18 World Championship where he was named the tournament's top defenseman.
-- Phil Coffey
For Johansen, hard work pays off06.25.2010 / 5:50 PM PT

Columbus Blue Jackets pick Ryan Johansen said his goal at the start of the season was to go in the top three rounds. He finished ranked No. 10 by Central Scouting and went No. 4 to the Blue Jackets.

"I just wasn't rated so high by Central Scouting," Johansen said. "So it was just in the back of my head that it was a maybe, but I knew they had me highly on their charts like I said. You know, I worked my hardest throughout the year and did what I could. Thankfully they noticed, and now I'm here."
-- Phil Coffey

Stars take first goalie, Jack Campbell06.25.2010 / 5:44 PM PT

With Marty Turco moving on, the Stars jumped on the first goalie of the draft with U.S. National Team product Jack Campbell, a 6-3, 175 pounder.

Campbell won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2010 World Junior Championships, coming on in relief in the title game trailing 3-0 and stopping 32 of 34 shots in an overtime win. Campbell also helped Team USA to back-to-back gold medals at the 2009 and 2010 Under-18 World Championships. He will play with Windsor in the OHL next season.
-- Phil Coffey

Rangers take defenseman ...06.25.2010 / 5:36 PM PT

But not Cam Fowler or Brandon Gormley, opting for Moose Jaw's Dylan McIlrath, who was ranked 17th by Central Scouting and who scored 7 goals and 17 assists with 169 penalty minutes. At 6-4, 212 pounds, he could be a future bookend defenseman with Marc Staal.

-- Phil Coffey

Gudbranson thinks he's NHL bound06.25.2010 / 5:36 PM PT

Call defenseman Erik Gudbranson a confident kid. Selected No. 3 by the Florida Panthers, Gudbranson said he can step into the NHL lineup next season.

"I do. It's where I want to be, it's where I've set my goal," he said. "I've got to work on my hands and put on some weight, but I think I can play at the NHL level next year."

-- Phil Coffey

Wild take Mikael Granlund06.25.2010 / 5:30 PM PT

The Wild also went European in the first round with Mikael Granlund, Central Scouting's top-ranked European skater.

He averaged nearly a point-per-game in his first season in Finland's top league, leading all rookies with 40 points (13-27--40) in 43 games playing for HIFK.

-- Phil Coffey

Thrashers add Burmistrov06.25.2010 / 5:26 PM PT

The Thrashers, who have been in the headlines all week what with trade and naming Craig Ramsay coach, took the first European player at No. 8 with Barrie Colts center Alexander Burmistrov, who was ranked No. 11 by Central Scouting.

He had 22 goals and 43 assists in 62 games this season and is a bit undersized at 5-11, 157.

-- Phil Coffey

Another reason to re-sign Recchi06.25.2010 / 5:24 PM PT

Aside from Hall of Fame credentials, another reason the Boston Bruins might want to re-sign Mark Recchi, as has been rumored, is Tyler Seguin would like to be his teammate.

"Actually I just ran into Mark Recchi at the hotel a couple times," Seguin said. "We seem to be elevator buddies. That was pretty cool. He's going to give me a lot of advice, and I'm looking forward to that And of course, I've seen (Zdeno) Chara play. He was probably the best player I've ever seen on the Bruins this past year, and I think it's going to be quite tough going one-on-one against him if I get that opportunity"
-- Phil Coffey

'Canes take RW Skinner06.25.2010 / 5:16 PM PT

The Hurricanes went waaaaaay off the beaten track at No. 7 with RW Jeff Skinner from Kitchener of the OHL. He was ranked 34th by Central Scouting.

Heading into No. 8, defensemen Cam Fowler and Brandon Gormley are still on the board.

-- Phil Coffey

An emotional night for Hall06.25.2010 / 5:09 PM PT

While there was tons of speculation that Taylor Hall was going to be the first pick in '10, Hall said the moment was overwhelming.

"I was so shocked," he said. "I was shaking in my seat. I got up to the podium, or whatever it is, and I was shaking so much I couldn't even put my jersey on. I'm just so happy. My whole family's so happy. It means a lot to us.

Why was he so nervous?

"Because I had no idea what was going on," Hall said. "They said Windsor Spitfires and it's all a blur from there. I don't remember anything. I'm so happy right now."
-- Phi Coffey

Yzerman's first selection is Connolly06.25.2010 / 5:07 PM PT

An historic day for the Tampa Bay Lightning as new GM Steve Yzerman takes Brett Connolly, another forward, in this case a right wing, with his first pick running the Lightning.
Connolly was ranked No. 4, but a hip injury, which has healed completely may be the reason he dropped to Yzerman and the Lightning.

Funny thing, as much as the Red Wings were booed during the roll call, Yzerman was greeted with a warm reception. Just goes to show you, you can't not like Steve Yzerman.

-- Phil Coffey

Columbus nabs Johansen at No. 406.25.2010 / 4:47 PM PT

The Blue Jackets have taken center Ryan Johansen, ranked No. 10 by NHL Central Scouting, with the fourth pick.

That selection sends many a mock draft crashing in flames. He scored 25 goals and 44 assists for Portland of the Western League last season and is the first of four Winterhawks who could go pretty high in the draft. At 6-2, 192, Johansen is another big center. You can't have enough of those.
-- Phil Coffey

Panthers go for Gudbranson third06.25.2010 / 4:42 PM PT

New Panthers GM Dale Tallon added his stamp on the Florida roster once again with the selection of defenseman Eric Gudbranson at No. 3. Jeez, he is a big one -- 6-4, 195.

Being the best player on the best teams is what won the Oilers over to Taylor Hall, GM Steve Tambellini told TSN. Couldn't argue with his winning resume.

-- Phil Coffey

As an aside …06.25.2010 / 4:39 PM PT

There are four guys sitting to my right wearing orange tuxedoes and top hats. I don't know why. They look like refugees from a barbershop quartet competition. Just had to mention it.
-- Phil Coffey

Bruins select Seguin06.25.2010 / 4:30 PM PT

Tyler Seguin is going to Boston. Here is the scouting report on this long-awaited move.

The Oilers had reportedly be trying to acquire the pick and have a daily double on the first round, but the Bruins stood fast and came away with the second elite player of this draft. Big kid who scouts say reminds them of Steven Stamkos. That's got to make Bruins fan very happy.

-- Phil Coffey

Big reaction for Hall06.25.2010 / 4:23 PM PT

Fans at Staples Center and those watching from Rexall Place in Edmonton are more than a little excited about Hall joining the team. The Oilers have quite the contingent on the stage as Hall pulls on his jersey to chants of "Let's go Oilers."

The Bruins are now on the clock.

--Phil Coffey
With the first selection …06.25.2010 / 4:21 PM PT

The Oilers make it official, GM Steve Tambellini says it's Taylor Hall with the top pick.

Here is a scouting report on Hall who from all indications is the real deal and will join a handful of excellent prospects in Edmonton perhaps as soon as next season.
--Phil Coffey
Commissioner at the podium, Oilers on the clock06.25.2010 / 4:04 PM PT

Here we go. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has taken his place at the podium and the Oilers will shortly usher in a new era for the team with the first selection of the '10 Draft. The consensus has been Taylor Hall will be the top pick.

Here goes …

--Phil Coffey

Robitaille welcomes everyone06.25.2010 / 4:00 PM PT

Hall of Famer Luc Robitaille, not a first-round pick in his day, much to the chagrin of all teams, and Dustin Brown, Kings' captain, are welcoming the prospects. Nice touch.

--Phil Coffey
Roll call under way06.25.2010 / 3:55 PM PT

E.J. McGuire is calling the roll of teams. Pretty harsh reaction to the Anaheim Ducks. Not much love for Calgary either.

REALLY not a lot of love for the Red Wings and lots of Oilers fans have made the trip to LA.

And as you might expect, quite the reception for the host Kings.

Won't be long now.

-- Phil Coffey

Born in the USA06.25.2010 / 3:44 PM PT

There could be three prospects from California selected in the first round this year -- pretty impressive move up the ladder for California in the U.S. pecking order. For more on the explosion of hockey in California check out Dan Rosen's story http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=532501

The 2010 Draft also could be a big one for USA Hockey as a whole. The record for American players selected in the first round is 10 and there is a possibility that mark could fall.

-- Phil Coffey

This from Adam Kimelman ... 06.25.2010 / 3:31 PM PT

This just in from NHL.com Draft guru Adam Kimelman

"Rick Dudley and Dale Tallon talking for a few minutes. Might be a trade -- or tee times."

Fore!

Sabres goalie Ryan Miller is in the house. Perhaps he will announce the Sabres' pick at No. 23. Also holding court is Scott Niedermayer, the just-retired Anaheim Ducks defenseman. First few days of retirement seem to agree with him.

At the half wall between the media and draft floor now are Bruce Boudreau, Jim Nill, John Ferguson Jr. and NHL Network's Craig Button.

Staples Center has a lower bowl, then three levels of suites and the upper bowl, so it is fairly unique in my experience. The lower bowl has fans, the prospects and their families and friends and the upper bowl is pretty packed.

Back to the trade front for a moment, the only deal that seems to be grist for the rumor mill is Florida defenseman Keith Ballard to the Canucks for the 25th pick of the first round. The Leafs' Brian Burke has told reporters he has nothing cooking.

-- Phil Coffey

Joint is jumping06.25.2010 / 3:11 PM PT

About an hour and 20 minutes from the start of the Draft and the floor is now packed. Have seen New Jersey's Lou Lamoriello speaking with Edmonton's Steve Tambellini, but that chat looked too friendly to have been about the Devils nailing the top selection. San Jose's Doug Wilson is directly in front of NHL.com's perch and he hasn't strayed far from the Sharks' table.

Fans are coming in too. Pretty cool array of vintage Kings jerseys and over on one side of the seats are a slew of Oilers jerseys. In a row we have a Zach Parise jersey, Peter Forsberg jersey and a couple blanks -- Montreal and University of Michigan. And a few more Oilers jerseys. And there's a Manchester Monarchs sweater, very nice.

Scotty Bowman holding court with a few reporters, that story will write itself.

-- Phil Coffey
Updating the rumors06.25.2010 / 2:41 PM PT

Trade scuttlebutt has Florida's Keith Ballard on the hot seat at the moment. The Leafs' Tomas Kaberle? Not so much. Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli was expected. Oilers GM Steve Tambellini to make another attempt at adding the No. 2 selection to his arsenal. Doesn't sound like that will happen. Chiarelli also said goalie Tim Thomas has not asked for a trade and Chiarelli isn't looking to trade him.
--Phil Coffey

Bruins already in place on Draft floor06.25.2010 / 2:40 PM PT

For what it's worth, looks like the entire Bruins table is filled here before everyone else. Other folks are coming in piecemeal.

NHL.com is on the second row of the media section for those watching at home. Hi Mom!

Heading into the Staples Center I passed through an outdoor hockey festival with all sorts of video games and the like. Lots of folks taking part on what is a beautiful day here in LA.

Lots of New York Rangers types now setting up shop and Cam Neely is on his cell phone. What could it mean?!­
--Phil Coffey
Let's get it started06.25.2010 / 12:06 PM PT

Greetings from Los Angeles and the 2010 Entry Draft. I will be your guide through the first round Friday night while NHL.com's workhorses actually put together information you'll want about the festivities.

Consider this a potato-chip blog, no lasting value, but you want it anyway.

Being in the information business, let me pass around some good stories to read as we await the start of the Draft and all that goes with it.

* The rest of the NHL.com crew here -- Bob Condor, Shawn Roarke, Adam Kimelman and Mike Morreale -- will be contributing to this blog. I'm special, so I have my own blog. Or maybe they just don't like me? Hmmm.

* The news of the big trade between Atlanta and Chicago greeted Mike Morreale and myself as we stepped off the plane in Los Angeles from New York. Moral of the story? Don't fly long distances, you miss too much news.

That should be enough to keep everyone occupied until folks begin entering Staples Center and we can breathlessly report on which GM is talking to which GM (probably about their golf game, vacation plans or how to pay for college) and thus conjure up some trade talk.